Kumano taisya

In the Middle Ages, influenced by Kumano beliefs, it was divided into the upper shrine, called Kumano Sanzan, and the lower shrine, called Ise Shrine. However, in the Meiji era, they were merged into the lower shrine.
The upper shrine is located about 500 meters upstream from the current Kumano Taisha at the foot of Mt. Mikasayama.

There are three torii gates from the entrance to the main shrine.
The first and second torii are stone Myojin torii, and the closest torii to the main shrine is a small wooden torii. Passing through the shrine gate, the shrine grounds spread out.

In front is the worship hall with a large shimenawa rope.
To the right is the dance hall.
This dance hall was originally used as the worship hall and was relocated in 1978.
The main hall is a large Taisha-zukuri style unique to Izumo Province.
While the typical Taisha-zukuri style of Izumo Taisha and Susa Shrine is known for having a three-span structure, the main hall of Kumano Taisha has a two-span structure.

To the left of the worship hall is the Sanibiden Hall.
It is a thatched building surrounded by cypress walls, where the Sanibisai Fire Festival is held annually on October 15.
This unique structure of Kumano Taisha was newly constructed in 1992.

Surrounding the main hall are four shrine buildings, including the Izanami Shrine, which enshrines 20 deities, and the Inada Shrine, which enshrines 9 deities.
Both are Taisha-zukuri style with a single-span structure, and gates are installed in front of the shrine buildings.

South of Izanami Shrine are the Inari Shrine and Kojin Shrine.
Compared to the shrine buildings on both sides of the main hall, these are smaller, with Kojin Shrine having a gabled structure and Inari Shrine having a nagare-zukuri style.